(E)-styryl sulfone anticancer agents

ABSTRACT

(E)-styryl benzylsulfones of formula I are useful as anticancer agents:  
                 
 
     wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4  are as defined herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/937,684, filed Sep. 28, 2001 which is a 371 ofPCT/US00/08565, filed Mar. 31, 2000, which claims the benefit of thefiling dates of provisional applications Ser. No. 60/127,683, filed Apr.2, 1999 and 60/143,975, filed Jul. 15, 1999. The entire disclosures ofthe aforesaid applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to compositions and methods for thetreatment of cancer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Extracellular signals received at transmembrane receptors arerelayed into the cells by the signal transduction pathways (Pelech etal., Science 257:1335 (1992)) which have been implicated in a wide arrayof physiological processes such as induction of cell proliferation,differentiation or apoptosis (Davis et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:14553(1993)). The Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade is a majorsignaling system by which cells transduce extracellular cues intointracellular responses (Nishida et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 18:128(1993); Blumer et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:236 (1994)). Many stepsof this cascade are conserved, and homologous for MAP kinases have beendiscovered in different species.

[0004] In mammalian cells, the Extracellular-Signal-Regulated Kinases(ERKs), ERK-1 and ERK-2 are the archetypal and best-studied members ofthe MAPK family, which all have the unique feature of being activated byphosphorylation on threonine and tyrosine residues by an upstream dualspecificity kinase (Posada et al., Science 255:212 (1992); Biggs III etal., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:6295 (1992); Garner et al., GenesDev. 6:1280 (1992)).

[0005] Recent studies have identified an additional subgroup of MAPKs,known as c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK-1 and JNK-2), that havedifferent substrate specificities and are regulated by different stimuli(Hibi et al., Genes Dev. 7:2135 (1993)). JNKs are members of the classof stress-activated protein kinases (SPKs). JNKs have been shown to beactivated by treatment of cells with UV radiation, pro-inflammatorycytokines and environmental stress (Derijard et al., Cell 1025 (1994)).The activated JNK binds to the amino terminus of the c-Jun protein andincreases the protein's transcriptional activity by phosphorylating itat ser63 and ser73 (Adler et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:5341(1992); Kwok et al., Nature 370:223 (1994)).

[0006] Analysis of the deduced primary sequence of the JNKs indicatesthat they are distantly related to ERKs (Davis, Trends Biochem. Sci.19:470 (1994)). Both ERKs and JNKs are phosphorylated on Tyr and Thr inresponse to external stimuli resulting in their activation (Davis,Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:470 (1994)). The phosphorylation (Thr and Tyr)sites, which play a critical role in their activation are conservedbetween ERKs and JNKs (Davis, Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:470 (1994)).However, these sites of phosphorylation are located within distinct dualphosphorylation motifs: Thr-Pro-Tyr (JNK) and Thr-Glu-Tyr (ERK).Phosphorylation of MAPKs and JNKs by an external signal often involvesthe activation of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) (Gille et al., Nature358:414 (1992)), which constitute a large family of proteinsencompassing several growth factor receptors and other signaltransducing molecules.

[0007] Protein tyrosine kinases are enzymes which catalyze a welldefined chemical reaction: the phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue(Hunter et al., Annu Rev Biochem 54:897 (1985)). Receptor tyrosinekinases in particular are attractive targets for drug design sinceblockers for the substrate domain of these kinases is likely to yield aneffective and selective antiproliferative agent. The potential use ofprotein tyrosine kinase blockers as antiproliferative agents wasrecognized as early as 1981, when quercetin was suggested as a PTKblocker (Graziani et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 135:583-589 (1983)).

[0008] The best understood MAPK pathway involves extracellularsignal-regulated kinases which constitute the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK kinasecascade (Boudewijn et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 20, 18 (1995)). Oncethis pathway is activated by different stimuli, MAPK phosphorylates avariety of proteins including several transcription factors whichtranslocate into the nucleus and activate gene transcription. Negativeregulation of this pathway could arrest the cascade of these events.

[0009] What are needed are new anticancer chemotherapeutic agents whichtarget receptor tyrosine kinases and which arrest the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERKkinase cascade. Oncoproteins in general, and signal transducing proteinsin particular, are likely to be more selective targets for chemotherapybecause they represent a subclass of proteins whose activities areessential for cell proliferation, and because their activities aregreatly amplified in proliferative diseases.

[0010] What is also needed are new anticancer therapeutics which arehighly selective in the killing of tumor cells, but not normal cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide compounds,compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer and otherproliferative diseases. The biologically active compounds are in theform of (E)-styryl benzylsulfones.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide compounds which arehighly selective in killing tumor cells but not normal cells.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide novel polymersprepared by polymerization of (E)-styryl benzylsulfones.

[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide intermediatesuseful for the preparation of compounds having anticancer activity. Theintermediates comprise (E)-styryl benzylsulfonyl acetic acids.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, novel compounds areprovided according to formula I:

[0016] wherein:

[0017] R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen; fluoro; chloro; bromo; C1-C6 alkyl; C1-C6alkoxy; nitro; cyano; and trifluoromethyl;

[0018] with the proviso that

[0019] (a) R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ may not all be hydrogen;

[0020] (b) when R₁, R₂, and R₃ are hydrogen, then R₄ may not be:

[0021] (i) 2- or 4-chloro or 4-fluoro;

[0022] (ii) 2-nitro, 3-nitro or 4-nitro;

[0023] (iii) 4-methoxy or 4-ethoxy; or

[0024] (iv) 4-methyl;

[0025] (c) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-chloro, then R₄ maynot be 4-chloro, 4-fluoro, 4-bromo, 4-nitro, 4-isopropyl or 4-ethoxy;

[0026] (d) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-fluoro, then R₄ maynot be 4-fluoro, 4-bromo, or 4-chloro

[0027] (e) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-nitro, then R₄ maynot be 4-chloro, 4-nitro, 4-bromo, 4-fluoro, 4-methyl, or 4-methoxy;

[0028] (f) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-methyl, R₄ may not be4-chloro, 4-bromo, 4-fluoro, 4-methyl or 2-chloro;

[0029] (g) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-bromo, then R₄ maynot be 4-fluoro, 4-bromo or 4-chloro;

[0030] (h) when R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen, then R₃ and R₄ may not be2,4-dichloro, 2,3-dimethoxy or 3,4-dimethoxy;

[0031] (i) when R₁ is hydrogen, then R₂, R₃ and R₄ may not all befluoro; and

[0032] (j) when R₁ is hydrogen and R₃ is 2-fluoro, then R₂ and R₄ maynot both be selected from the group consisting of 4-chloro, 4-bromo, and4-fluoro.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, novelcompounds are provided according to formula I wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,chloro, fluoro, bromo, nitro, cyano and trifluoromethyl. According to amore preferred embodiment, R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, chloro, fluoro and bromo; mostpreferably hydrogen, chloro and fluoro.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, novel compounds are providedaccording to formula I wherein (1) at least one of R₁ and R₂ is otherthan hydrogen and is located at the 2-, 3- and/or 4-position of thephenyl ring to which it is attached, and is preferably selected fromchloro and fluoro, most preferably chloro; and/or (2) wherein at leastone of R₃ and R₄ is other than hydrogen and is located at the 2- and/or4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached, and is preferablyselected from chloro and fluoro. In other preferred embodiments whereinat least one of R₁ and R₂ is other than hydrogen, and at least one of R₃and R is other than hydrogen, (i) R₂ is 4-halogen or 4-cyano, and R₄ is4-nitro; or (ii) R₂ is 4-C1-C6 alkoxy, and R₄ is 4-nitro or 4-halogen.R₁ and R₃ are preferably hydrogen in these embodiments.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, a pharmaceuticalcomposition is provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrierand one or more compounds of formula II:

[0036] wherein

[0037] R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen; fluoro; chloro; bromo; C1-C6 alkyl; C1-C6alkoxy; nitro; cyano; and trifluoromethyl;

[0038] with the proviso that

[0039] (a) R₁, R₂, and R₃ are not all hydrogen when R₄ is 2-chloro or4-chloro;

[0040] (b) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-bromo or 4-chloro,then R₄ may not be 4-chloro, 4-fluoro or 4-bromo;

[0041] (c) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-fluoro, R₄ may not be4-fluoro or 4-bromo;

[0042] (d) when R₁ is hydrogen, and R₄ is 2-fluoro, then R₂ and R₃ maynot be 4-fluoro;

[0043] (e) when R₁ is hydrogen and R₃ is 4-hydrogen, 4-chloro, 4-bromo,4-methyl or 4-methoxy, and R₄ is 2-hydrogen, 2-chloro or 2-fluoro; thenR₂ may not be 4-hydrogen, 4-chloro, 4-fluoro or 4-bromo.

[0044] According to a related invention, novel compounds are providedaccording to formula III:

[0045] wherein

[0046] R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; C1-C6 alkyl; C1-C6alkoxy; nitro; cyano; and trifluoromethyl;

[0047] provided at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ is iodo.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of R₁ and R₂ informula III is other than hydrogen and is located at the 2- or4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached; and at least oneof R₃ and R₄ is other than hydrogen and is located at the 2- or4-position of the phenyl ring to which it is attached. According to afurther preferred embodiment, R₂ and R₄ in formula III are hydrogen, andR₁ and R₃ are located at the 4-position of the respective phenyl ringsto which they are attached. According to a further preferred embodiment,one of R₁ or R₃ is selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro,bromo and nitro, the other of R₁ or R₃ being iodo.

[0049] A pharmaceutical composition is also provided comprising apharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more compounds of formulaIII above, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are defined as above for formulaIII.

[0050] Where R₁, R₂, R₃ or R₄ is an alkyl or alkoxy group in anycompound of formulae I, II or III, the carbon chain may be branched orstraight, with straight being preferred. Preferably, the alkyl andalkoxy groups comprise C1-C3 alkyl and C1-C4 alkoxy, most preferablymethyl and methoxy.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method oftreating an individual for a proliferative disorder, particularlycancer, is provided, comprising administering to said individual aneffective amount of a compound according to formula II or III, alone orin combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0052] In another embodiment of the invention, a method of inhibitinggrowth of tumor cells in an individual afflicted with cancer is providedcomprising administering to said individual an effective amount of acompound according to formula II or III, alone or in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0053] In another embodiment, a method of inducing apoptosis of cancercells, more preferably tumor cells, in an individual afflicted withcancer is provided, comprising administering to said individual aneffective amount of a compound according to formula II or III, alone orin combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0054] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, benzylsulfones having the structural formula II or III, may be utilized asmonomers in the synthesis of a new class of polymers having pendantbenzylsulfone groups.

[0055] The present invention also provides a series of substitutedbenzylsulfonyl acetic acid compounds having structural formula V, below.The substituted benzylsulfonyl acetic acid compounds are useful asintermediates in the synthesis of novel (E)-styryl benzylsulfonecompounds of formula I, according to Method A, below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] According to the present invention, certain (E)-styrylbenzylsulfone derivatives selectively kill various tumor cell typeswithout killing normal cells. Without wishing to be bound by any theory,it is believed that the compounds affect the MAPK signal transductionpathway, thereby affecting tumor cell growth and viability. This cellgrowth inhibition is associated with regulation of the ERK and JNK typesof MAPK. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the styryl sulfonesof the present invention may block the phosphorylating capacity ofERK-2.

[0057] The compounds of the invention have been shown to inhibit theproliferation of tumor cells by inducing cell death. The compounds arebelieved effective against a broad range of tumor types, including butnot limited to the following: breast, prostate, ovarian, lung,colorectal, brain (i.e., glioma) and renal. The compounds are alsobelieved effective against leukemic cells. The compounds do not killnormal cells in concentrations at which tumor cells are killed.

[0058] The compounds are also useful in the treatment of non-cancerproliferative disorders, including but not limited to the following:hemangiomatosis in new born, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis,chronic progressive myelodegenerative disease, neurofibromatosis,ganlioneuromatosis, keloid formation, Pagets Disease of the bone,fibrocystic disease of the breast, Peronies and Duputren's fibrosis,restenosis and cirrhosis.

[0059] Treatment of this broad range of tumor cells with the styrylbenzylsulfone compounds of the invention leads to inhibition of cellproliferation and induction of apoptotic cell death. In breast tumors,the effect is observed for estrogen receptor (ER) positive as well asestrogen receptor negative cells.

[0060] Tumor cells treated with the compounds of the inventionaccumulate in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. As the cells exit theG2/M phase, they appear to undergo apoptosis. Treatment of normal cellswith the styryl sulfones does not result in apoptosis.

Synthesis of (E)-Styryl Benzylsulfones

[0061] The styryl benzylsulfones are characterized by cis-transisomerism resulting from the presence of one or more double bonds. Thecompounds are named according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog system, theIUPAC 1974 Recommendations, Section E: Stereochemistry, in Nomenclatureof Organic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., 4^(th)ed., 1992, p. 127-138. Steric relations around a double bond aredesignated as “Z” or “E”.

[0062] (E)-styryl benzylsulfones are prepared by Knoevenagelcondensation of aromatic aldehydes with benzylsulfonyl acetic acids. Theprocedure is described by Reddy et al., Acta. Chim. Hung. 115:269(1984); Reddy et al., Sulfur Letters 13:83 (1991); Reddy et al.,Synthesis 322 (1984); and Reddy et al., Sulfur Letters 7:43 (1987), theentire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] The (E)-styryl benzylsulfones can be prepared according to eitherof the following Methods A and B:

Method A

[0064] A benzyl thioacetic acid V formed by the reaction of sodiumthioglycollate and a benzyl chloride IV. The benzyl thioacetic acid V isoxidized with 30% hydrogen peroxide to give a correspondingbenzylsulfonyl acetic acid VI. Condensation of VI with an aromaticaldehyde VII via a Knoevenagel reaction in the presence of benzylamineand glacial acetic acid yields the (E)-styryl benzylsulfone 1, II orIII.

Method B

[0065] A benzylthioacetic acid V is formed by the reaction of theappropriate sodium benzylthiolate VIII with chloroacetic acid. Oxidationof V to the corresponding benzylsulfonyl acetic acid VI and subsequentKnoevenagel condensation with aldehyde VII is carried out as in MethodA.

[0066] Substituted benzylsulfonyl acetic acid compounds Va, Vb, Vc, andVd according to formula V were prepared by reacting the correspondingbenzyl chloride with thioglycolic acid under basic conditions (MethodA). These compounds are novel intermediates. (V)

No. Compound R₁ R₂ M.P.(° C.) Va 4-nitrobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid H4-NO₂ 165-166 Vb 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl- H 4-CF₃ 164-165 sulfonylacetic acid Vc 2,4-dichlorobenzyl- 2-Cl 4-Cl 165-166 sulfonyl aceticacid Vd 3,4-dichlorobenzyl- 3-Cl 4-Cl 132-134 sulfonyl acetic acid

[0067] (E)-Styryl benzylsulfones may be utilized as monomers in thesynthesis of polymers X having pendant aryl and benzylsulfone groups.The polymerization of styryl benzylsulfones defined according to formulaIX below into formula X polymers is accomplished by heating the formulaIX compound above 250° C. in the presence of a free radical initiator.The initiator may comprise benzoyl peroxide, for example:

[0068] The degree of polymerization in the polymer of formula X, “x”,may range from about 10 to about 150, providing an oligomer or polymerof from 5,000 to 50,000 daltons. Other degrees of polymerization arealso contemplated. R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ in the monomer of formula IX, andin the polymer of formula X, are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen; halogen, i.e., fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo,most preferably fluoro, chloro and bromo; C1-C6 alkyl; C1-C6 alkoxy;nitro; cyano; and trifluoromethyl.

[0069] The (E)-styryl benzylsulfones may be derivatized with a chemicalgroup to permit conjugation to a carrier molecule, for the purpose ofraising antibodies to the styryl sulfones. Suitable derivatizingchemistries are well-known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, thederivative comprises a carboxylic acid derivative. The carrier maycomprise any molecule sufficiently large to be capable of generating animmune response in an appropriate host animal. One such preferredcarrier is keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH).

Therapeutic Administration

[0070] The (E)-styryl benzylsulfones of the invention may beadministered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition, in combinationwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The active ingredient insuch formulations may comprise from 0.1 to 99.99 weight percent. By“pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is meant any carrier, diluent orexcipient which is compatible with the other ingredients of theformulation and to deleterious to the recipient.

[0071] The compounds of the invention may be administered to individuals(mammals, including animals and humans) afflicted with cancer. Thecompounds are also useful in the treatment of non-cancer proliferativedisorders, that is, proliferative disorders which are characterized bybenign indications. Such disorders may also be known as“cytoproliferative” or “hyperproliferative” in that cells are made bythe body at an atypically elevated rate. Such disorders include, but arenot limited to, the following: hemangiomatosis in new born, secondaryprogressive multiple sclerosis, chronic progressive myelodegenerativedisease, neurofibromatosis, ganglioneuromatosis, keloid formation,Pagets Disease of the bone, fibrocystic disease of the breast, Peroniesand Duputren's fibrosis, restenosis and cirrhosis.

[0072] The compounds may be administered by any route, including oraland parenteral administration. Parenteral administration includes, forexample, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intraperitoneal,intranasal, rectal, intravaginal, topical or subcutaneousadministration. The active agent is preferably administered with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier selected on the basis of theselected route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

[0073] The active agent may be formulated into dosage forms according tostandard practices in the field of pharmaceutical preparations. SeeGennaro Alphonso, ed., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed.,(1990) Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. Suitable dosage forms maycomprise, for example, tablets, capsules, solutions, parenteralsolutions, troches, suppositories, or suspensions.

[0074] For parenteral administration, the active agent may be mixed witha suitable carrier or diluent such as water, an oil (particularly avegetable oil), ethanol, saline solution, aqueous dextrose (glucose) andrelated sugar solutions, glycerol, or a glycol such as propylene glycolor polyethylene glycol. Solutions for parenteral administrationpreferably contain a water soluble salt of the active agent. Stabilizingagents, antioxidizing agents and preservatives may also be added.Suitable antioxidizing agents include sulfite, ascorbic acid, citricacid and its salts, and sodium EDTA. Suitable preservatives includebenzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben, and chlorbutanol. Thecomposition for parenteral administration may take the form of anaqueous or nonaqueous solution, dispersion, suspension or emulsion.

[0075] For oral administration, the active agent may be combined withone or more solid inactive ingredients for the preparation of tablets,capsules, pills, powders, granules or other suitable oral dosage forms.For example, the active agent may be combined with at least oneexcipient such as fillers, binders, humectants, disintegrating agents,solution retarders, absorption accelerators, wetting agents absorbentsor lubricating agents. According to one tablet embodiment, the activeagent may be combined with carboxymethylcellulose calcium, magnesiumstearate, mannitol and starch, and then formed into tablets byconventional tableting methods.

[0076] The specific dose of compound according to the invention toobtain therapeutic benefit will, of course, be determined by theparticular circumstances of the individual patient including, the size,weight, age and sex of the patient, the nature and stage of the disease,the aggressiveness of the disease, and the route of administration. Forexample, a daily dosage of from about 0.05 to about 50 mg/kg/day may beutilized. Higher or lower doses are also contemplated.

EXAMPLES General Procedure for Synthesis (E)-Styryl Benzylsulfones

[0077] Part A. To a solution of (8 g, 0.2 mol) sodium hydroxide inmethanol (200 ml), thioglycolic acid (0.1 mol) is added slowly and theprecipitate formed is dissolved by stirring the contents of the flask.Then an appropriately substituted or unsubstituted benzyl chloride (0.1mol) is added stepwise and the reaction mixture is refluxed for 2-3hours. The cooled contents are poured onto crushed ice and neutralizedwith dilute hydrochloric acid (200 ml). The resulting correspondingbenzylthioacetic acid (0.1 mol) is subjected to oxidation with 30%hydrogen peroxide (0.12 mol) in glacial acetic acid (125 ml) byrefluxing for 1 hour. The contents are cooled and poured onto crushedice. The separated solid is recrystallized from hot water to give thecorresponding pure benzylsulfonylacetic acid.

[0078] Part B. A mixture of the benzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol), anappropriately substituted or unsubstituted aromatic aldehyde (10 mmol),and benzylamine (200 μl) in glacial acetic acid (12 ml) is refluxed for2-3 hours. The contents are cooled and treated with cold ether (50 ml).Any product precipitated out is separated by filtration. The filtrate isdiluted with more ether and washed successively with a saturatedsolution of sodium bicarbonate (20 ml), sodium bisulfite (20 ml), dilutehydrochloric acid (20 ml) and finally with water (35 ml). Evaporation ofthe dried ethereal layer yields styryl benzylsulfones as a solidmaterial.

[0079] In each of the following examples, the substituted benzylsulfonylacetic acid was made according to Part A of the General Procedure. Allthe styryl benzylsulfone compounds were recrystallized from 2-propanoland the purity was checked by thin layer chromatography.

Example 1

[0080] (E)-4-Fluorostyryl-4-trifluoromethylbenzylsulfone

[0081] A solution of 4-trifluorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound melting point 166-168° C., was obtained in82% yield.

Example 2

[0082] (E)-4-Chlorostyryl-4-trifluoromethylbenzylsulfone

[0083] A solution of 4-trifluoromethylbenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10mmol) and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the GeneralProcedure, Part B. The title compound, melting point 164-168° C., wasobtained in 88% yield.

Example 3

[0084] (E)-4-Bromostyryl-4-trifluoromethylbenzylsulfone

[0085] A solution of 4-trifluoromethylbenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10mmol) and 4-bromobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the GeneralProcedure, Part B. The title compound, melting point 181-183° C., wasobtained in 85% yield.

Example 4

[0086] (E)-4-Fluorostyryl-2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone

[0087] A solution of 2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonyl acid (10 mmol) and4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 146-148° C., was obtained in78% yield.

Example 5

[0088] (E)-4-Chlorostyryl-2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone

[0089] A solution of 2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-chlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 148-149° C., was obtained in84% yield.

Example 6

[0090] (E)-4-Fluorostyryl-3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone

[0091] A solution of 3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 120-122° C., was obtained in82% yield.

Example 7

[0092] (E)-4-Chlorostyryl-3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone

[0093] A solution of 3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-chlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 149-151° C., was obtained in86% yield.

Example 8

[0094] (E)-4-Bromostyryl-3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone

[0095] A solution of 3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-bromobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 154-155° C., was obtained in84% yield.

Example 9

[0096] (E)-4-Fluorostyryl-4-nitrobenzylsulfone

[0097] A solution of 4-nitrobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 160-161° C., was obtained in76% yield.

Example 10

[0098] (E)-4-Fluorostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone

[0099] A solution of 4-cyanobenzysulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General ProcedurePart B. The title compound, melting point 150-151° C., was obtained in82% yield.

Example 11

[0100] (E)-4-Chlorostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone

[0101] A solution of 4-cyanobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-chlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 173-177° C., was obtained in86% yield.

Example 12

[0102] (E)-4-Bromostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone

[0103] A solution of 4-cyanobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-bromobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 183-184° C., was obtained in77% yield.

Example 13

[0104] (E)-3,4-Difluorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0105] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and3,4 difluorobenzaldehyde was subjected to the General Procedure, Part B.The title compound, melting point 204-205° C., was obtained in 73%yield.

Example 14

[0106] (E)-3-Chloro-4-fluorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0107] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and3-chloro-4-fluorobenzaldehyde was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 181-183° C., was obtained in78% yield.

Example 15

[0108] (E)-2-Chloro-4-fluorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0109] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and2-chloro-4-fluorobenzaldehyde was subjected to the General Procedure,Part B. The title compound, melting point 149-150° C., was obtained in68% yield.

Example 16

[0110] (E)-2,4-Dichlorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0111] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol) and2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde was subjected to the General Procedure, Part B.The title compound, melting point 164-165° C., was obtained in 78%yield.

Example 17

[0112] (E)-3,4-Dichlorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0113] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and3,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the Generalprocedure, Part B. The title compound, melting point 170-171° C., wasobtained in 73% yield.

Example 18

[0114] (E)-2,3-Dichlorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0115] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and2,3-dichlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the GeneralProcedure, part B. The title compound, melting point 170-171° C., wasobtained in 72% yield.

Example 19

[0116] (E)-4-Fluorostyryl-4-iodobenzylsulfone

[0117] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 171-173° C., was obtained in98% yield. (¹HNMR, CDCl₃) d 4.27(s, CH₂), 6.60 (d, ═CH, J=15.7 Hz),7.18-7.80 (m, 9H, Aroma+═CH).

Example 20

[0118] (E)-4-Iodostyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone

[0119] A solution of 4-fluorobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-iodobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 168-170° C., was obtained in58% yield.

Example 21

[0120] (E)-4-Iodostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone

[0121] A solution of 4-chlorobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-iodobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 181-182° C., was obtained in70% yield. (¹HNMR, CDCl₃) d 4.27(s, CH₂), 6.60 (d, ═CH, J=15.7 Hz),7.18-7.80 (m, 9H, Aroma+═CH).

Example 22

[0122] (E)-4-Iodostyryl-4-bromobenzylsulfone

[0123] A solution of 4-bromobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-iodobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 201-203° C., was obtained in71% yield.

Example 23

[0124] (E)-4-Chlorostyryl-4-iodobenzylsulfone

[0125] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-chlorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 200-202° C., was obtained in86% yield. (¹HNMR, CDCl₃) d 4.27(s, CH₂), 6.60 (d, ═CH, J=15.7 Hz),7.18-7.80 (m, 9H, Aroma+═CH).

Example 24

[0126] (E)-4-Bromostyryl-4-iodobenzylsulfone

[0127] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-bromobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 217-219° C., was obtained in88% yield.

Example 25

[0128] (E)-2-Nitrostyryl-4-iodobenzylsulfone

[0129] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and2-nitrobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 227-229° C., was obtained in62% yield.

Example 26

[0130] (E)-4-Nitrostyryl-4-iodobenzylsulfone

[0131] A solution of 4-iodobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-nitrobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 227-228° C., was obtained in62% yield.

Example 27

[0132] (E)-4-Iodostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone

[0133] A solution of 4-methoxybenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol) and4-iodobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 201-203° C., was obtained in56% yield.

Example 28

[0134] (E)-4-Iodostyryl-2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone

[0135] A solution of 2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfonyl acetic acid (10 mmol)and 4-iodobenzaldehyde (10 mmol) was subjected to the General Procedure,part B. The title compound, melting point 181-182° C., was obtained in60% yield.

[0136] The following additional compounds In Table 1 were preparedaccording to the same synthetic methods (M.P.=melting point): TABLE 1M.P. Yield Ex. (° C.) (%) Compound 29 134-136 55(E)-2-nitrostyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 30 170-173 64(E)-3-nitrostyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 31 151-152 61(E)-4-nitrostyryt-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 32 96-98 54(E)-2-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 33 117-119 55(E)-3-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 34 125-128 73(E)-4-trifluoromethytstyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 35 108-112 52(E)-2-trifluoromethy-4-fluorostyryl-4-fluoro- benzylsulfone 36 128-13258 (E)-2-nitrostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone 37 156-157 60(E)-3-nitrostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone 38 189-191 61(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone 39 100-101 55(E)-2-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone 40 155-157 58(E)-3-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone 41 164-166 59(E)-4-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone 42 115-117 63(E)-2-trifluoromethyl-4-fluorostyryl-4-chloro- benzylsulfone 43 169-17163 (E)-3-methyl-4-fluorostyryl-4-chlorobenzyl- sulfone 44 136-138 57(E)-2-nitrostyryl-2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone 45 136-138 57(E)-2-trifluoromethyl-4-fluorostyryl-2,4- dichlorobenzylsulfone 46131-132 63 (E)-2-nitrostyryl-4-bromobenzylsulfone 47 168-170 56(E)-3-nitrostyryl-4-bromobenzylsulfone 48 205-207 67(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-bromobenzylsulfone 49 102-104 57(E)-2-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-bromobenzylsulfone 50 160-161 55(E)-3-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone 51 174-175 62(E)-4-trifluoromethylstyryl-4-bromoyano- benzylsulfone 52 167-168 63(E)-2-nitrostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone 53 192-193 62(E)-3-nitrostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone 54 219-220 66(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone 55 182-184 70(E)-4-fluorostyryl-4-methylbenzylsulfone 56 191-192 70(E)-4-bromostyryl-4-methylbenzylsulfone 57 128-130 51(E)-2-nitrostyryl-4-methylbenzylsulfone 58 201-203 56(E)-3-nitrostyryl-4-methylbenzylsulfone 59 194-195 57(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-methylbenzylsulfone 60 148-149 60(E)-4-fluorostyryl- 4-methoxybenzylsulfone 61 176-177 66(E)-4-chlorostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone 62 179-181 60(E)-4-bromostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone 63 127-129 57(E)-2-nitrostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone 64 153-155 59(E)-3-nitrostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone 65 179-181 56(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone 66 176-177 66(E)-4-chlorostyryl-4-nitrobenzylsulfone 67 199-200 60(E)-4-fluorostyryl-4-nitrobenzylsulfone

Effect of (E)-Styryl Benzylsulfones on Breast, and Prostate Tumor CellLines

[0137] A. Cells.

[0138] The effect of the (E)-styryl benzylsulfones on normal fibroblastsand on tumor cells of breast, and prostate origin was examined utilizingone or more of the following cell lines: breast tumor cell lines MCF-7and BT-20; prostate tumor cell line DU-145; colorectal carcinoma cellline DLD-1; non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line H157; and NIH/3T3and HFL cells. MCF-7 is estrogen-responsive, while BT-20 is anestrogen-unresponsive cell line. NIH/3T3 and HFL are normal murine andhuman fibroblasts, respectively. MCF-7, BT-20, DLD-1 and H157 were grownin Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovineserum supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin. DU145 was culturedin RPMI with 10% fetal bovine serum containing penicillin andstreptomycin. NIH3T3 and HFL cells were grown in DMEM containing 10%calf serum supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin. All cellcultures were maintained at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂.

[0139] B. Treatment with (E)-Styryl Sulfones and Viability Assay

[0140] Cells were treated with test compound at 2.5 mM concentration andcell viability was determined after 96 hours by the Trypan blueexclusion method. The results are set forth in Table 2. Activity foreach compound is reported as a range of cell induced death (% Death)with the lowest activity in the range of 5-10% and the highest beingabove 80%.

[0141] Normal cells HFL and NIH 3T3 were treated with the same compoundsin Table 2 under the same conditions of concentration and time. Thenormal cells displayed 5% growth inhibition but no appreciable celldeath. TABLE 2 Effect of (E)-styryl benzylsulfones on tumor cells

Tumor cell type Ex R₁ R₂ R₃ R₄ MCF-7 DU145 DLD-1 H157 BT20 1 4-CF₃ H 4-FH +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ 2 4-CF₃ H 4-Cl H ++ ++ ++ ND ++ 3 4-CF₃ H 4-Br HND + + ND ++ 4 2-Cl 4-Cl 4-F H ++ ++ ND + ++ 5 2-Cl 4-Cl 4-Cl H +++ + ++++ ND 6 3-Cl 4-Cl 4-F H ++++ ++++ ND ND ++++ 7 3-Cl 4-Cl 4-Cl H ND − NDND ++ 8 3-Cl 4-Cl 4-Br H ND − − ND − 9 4-NO₂ H 4-F H ++ ++ − ++ ++ 104-CN H 4-F H +++ ++ ND ++ ND 11 4-CN H 4-Cl H + + ND + ND 12 4-CN H 4-BrH − − − + ND 13 4-Cl H 3-F 4-F − − − − ND 14 4-Cl H 3-Cl 4-F − − − − ND15 4-Cl H 2-Cl 4-F +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ ND 16 4-Cl H 2-Cl 4-Cl ++++++ ++++ ND ND 17 4-Cl H 3-Cl 4-Cl + + + ND ND 18 4-Cl H 2-Cl 3-Cl + + +ND ND 19 4-I H 4-F H ND +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ 20 4-F H 4-I H ND ND NDND ND 21 4-Cl H 4-I H ND ++ ++ ++ ++ 22 4-Br H 4-I H ND ++ ++ ++ ++ 234-I H 4-Cl H ND ++ ++ ++ +++ 24 4-I H 4-Br H ND ND ND ND ND 25 4-I H2-NO₂ H ND ++ ++ ++ ++ 26 4-I H 4-NO₂ H ND ND ND ND ND 27 4- H 4-I H NDND ND ND ND CH₃O 28 4-Cl 2-Cl 4-I H ND ND ND ND ND 29 4-F H 2-NO₂ HND + + + + 30 4-F H 3-NO₂ H ND + e− + + 31 4-F H 4-NO₂ H ND ++++ ++++++++ ++++ 32 4-F H 2-CF₃ H ND + + + + 33 4-F H 3-CF₃ H ND + + + + 34 4-FH 4-CF₃ H ND + + + + 35 4-F H 2-CF₃ 4-F ND + + + 36 4-Cl H 2-NO₂ HND + + + + 37 4-Cl H 3-NO₂ H ND + + + + 38 4-Cl H 4-NO₂ H ND ++++ ++++++++ ++++ 39 4-Cl H 2-CF₃ H ND + + + + 40 4-Cl H 3-CF₃ H ND + + + + 414-Cl H 4-CF₃ H ND + + + + 42 4-Cl H 4-F 2-CF₃ ND + + + + 43 4-Cl H 4-F3-CH₃ ND + + + + 44 4-Cl 2-Cl 2-NO₂ H ND + + + + 45 4-Cl 2-Cl 4-F 2-CF₃ND +++ +++ +++ +++ 46 4-Br H 2-NO₂ H ND + + + + 47 4-Br H 3-NO₂ HND + + + + 48 4-Br H 4-NO₂ H ND ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ 49 4-Br H 2-CF₃ HND + + + + 50 4-Br H 3-CF₃ H ND + + + + 51 4-Br H 4-CF₃ H ND + + + + 524-CN H 2-NO₂ H ND + + + + 53 4-CN H 3-NO₂ H ND + + + + 54 4-CN H 4-NO₂ HND ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ 55 4-CH₃ H 4-F H ND + + + + 56 4-CH₃ H 4-Br HND + + + + 57 4-CH₃ H 2-NO₂ H ND + + + + 58 4-CH₃ H 3-NO₂ H ND + + + +59 4-CH₃ H 4-NO₂ H ND + + + + 60 4- H 4-F H ND +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++CH₃O 61 4- H 4-Cl H ND ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ CH₃O 62 4- H 4-Br H ND ++++++++ ++++ ++++ CH₃O 63 4- H 2-NO₂ H ND + + + + CH₃O 64 4- H 3-NO₂ HND + + + + CH₃O 65 4- H 4-NO₂ H ND ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ CH₃O 66 4-NO₂ H4-Cl H ND + + + + 67 4-NO₂ H 4-F H ND + + + +

Example 68

[0142] Conjugation of (E)-4-Fluorostyryl 4-chlorobenzylsulfone toKeyhole Limpet Haemocyanin

[0143] A carboxylic acid derivative of (E)-4-fluorostyryl4-chlorobenzylsulfone was synthesized by mixing 4-chlorobenzyl sulfonylacetic acid (10 mmol), 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (10 mmol), glacial aceticacid (15 ml) and piperidine (0.5 ml) at room temperature (22° C.) over amagnetic stirrer for 5 hours. The mixture was then diluted with etherand the ethereal layer was washed with water. Evaporation of theethereal layer yielded a semisolid material which on treating with2-propanol gave a white solid. Recrystallization with 2-propanol gave2-(4-chlorobenzyl sulfonyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propenoic acid as whitecrystals, (yield 32%), m.p. 111-112° C. The above carboxylic acidderivative (10 mM) was made into an active ester by treatment with 10 mM1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and 10mM N-hydroxysuccinamide (NHS), and then cross-linked to KLH by mixingwith 1 ml of a KLH water solution containing 500 mg KLH. The mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 5-6 hours. The KLH conjugate was thenseparated by passing the mixture through a size exclusion column (PD 10,Pharmacia). The conjugate was then used to inject rabbits for raisingantibodies.

[0144] All references cited with respect to synthetic, preparative andanalytical procedures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0145] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, ratherthan to the foregoing specification, as indication the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising apharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of the formula:

wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6alkoxy, nitro, cyano and trifluoromethyl, with the proviso that: (a) R₁,R₂, and R₃ may not all be hydrogen when R₄ is 2-chloro or 4-chloro; (b)when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogen and R₂ is 4-bromo or 4-chloro, then R₄ maynot be 4-chloro, 4-fluoro or 4-bromo; (c) when R₁ and R₃ are hydrogenand R₂ is 4-fluoro, then R₄ may not be 4-fluoro or 4-bromo; (d) when R₁is hydrogen, and R₄ is 2-fluoro, then R₂ and R₃ may not be 4-fluoro; and(e) when R₁ is hydrogen and R₃ is 4-hydrogen, 4-chloro, 4-bromo,4-methyl or 4-methoxy, and R₄ is 2-hydrogen, 2-chloro, or 2-fluoro, thenR₂ may not be 4-hydrogen, 4-chloro, 4-fluoro, or 4-bromo.
 2. Thecomposition according to claim 1 wherein the compound is selected fromthe group consisting of(E)-4-fluorostyryl-4-trifluoromethyl-benzylsulfone,(E)-2-trifluoromethyl-4-fluorostyryl-2,4-dichlorobenzyl-sulfone and(E)-4-fluorostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-fluorostyryl-3,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-fluorostyryl-2,4-dichlorobenzylsulfone,(E)-2-chloro-4-fluorostyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone, and(E)-4-fluorostyryl-4-nitrobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-chlorostyryl-4-nitrobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-fluorobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-bromobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-cyanobenzylsulfone,(E)-4-fluorostyryl-4-methoxy-benzylsulfone,(E)-4-chlorostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone,(E)-4-bromostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone and(E)-4-nitrostyryl-4-methoxybenzylsulfone.
 3. A method of treating anindividual for cancer comprising administering an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition according to claim
 1. 4. A method of treatingan individual for cancer comprising administering an effective amount ofa pharmaceutical composition according to claim
 2. 5. The method ofaccording to claim 3 wherein the cancer is selected from the groupconsisting of ovarian, breast, prostate, lung, renal, colorectal andbrain cancers.
 6. The method of according to claim 4 wherein the canceris selected from the group consisting of ovarian, breast, prostate,lung, renal, colorectal and brain cancers.
 7. A method of inducingapoptosis of tumor cells in an individual afflicted with cancercomprising administering to said individual an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition according to claim
 1. 8. The method accordingto claim 7 wherein the tumor cells are selected from the groupconsisting of ovarian, breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, renal andbrain tumors.